Name: NEW YEAR'S DAY BLACK EYED PEAS SALAD RECIPE
Ingredients: 3 cups black eyed peas, cooked; 1 cup canned corn; 1 mango, diced; 3 ribs celery, diced; 1 green pepper, diced; 2 Japanese cucumbers, sliced; 15 cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 bunch coriander, chopped; 1 bunch chinese celery, chopped; 1/2 bunch spring onion, chopped; 1 bunch mint leaves; 1/2 red onion diced; 1/3 cup olive oil; 3 limes, zest and juice; 2 chilli padi, sliced (add more if you like it spicy); half thumb-sized knob of ginger, thinly sliced; 2-3 tablespoons honey; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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The refreshing Black Eyed Peas Salad recipe is not only great as a side dish but also serves as a vegan main. This meatless dish, considered lucky to eat on the first day of a new year, was a great way for us to usher in 2020 on a lighter note and kickstart Veganuary. Indulge in this vegan delight any time of the year with this delicious salad recipe!

LUCKY NEW YEAR FOOD

In Southern United States, it is believed that eating Black Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day brings good luck. Unlike other dried beans, you do not need to soak these overnight before cooking for this salad recipe. Simply boil for 45 minutes and voila they are ready to be eaten. Because the beans swell when cooked, it is thought to represent expanding wealth and prosperity. Traditionally, they are served with collard greens and pork.

One popular explanation for the South’s association with peas and good luck dates back to the American Civil War. The story goes that when General William T. Sherman’s Union Army marched to the sea, they pillaged the Confederates’ food supplies. They left behind only the peas and salted pork as it was considered animal food and unfit for human consumption. The supplies helped the Southerners survive the winter and black-eyed peas became a symbol of good luck.

There is an old saying “Eat Poor on New Year’s, Eat Fat the Rest of the Year,” which could also explain the popularity of this simple dish on New Year’s Day. Starting the year off with humility and gratitude is not a bad idea.

BLACK EYED PEAS HEALTH BENEFITS

When it comes to eating legumes like Black Eyes Peas you don’t need to ask, “Where is the love?” (see what I did there, hur hur hur). These little beans are big on flavour and nutrition.

They are a good source of protein for those on a plant-based diet. Also high in carbs and fibre for anyone looking to get full on less. It contains calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K and packs only 160 calories per cup of cooked beans.

Here’s my simple but satisfying recipe for this bean salad.